The Permanent Documentation Center on Earthen Houses (CEDTERRA) is promoted by the Municipality of Casalincontrada and was recognized in 1993 by the Abruzzo Region.
Its objectives are to disseminate knowledge of raw earth as a building material. The Center’s services are currently available by appointment, following telephone contact. The Municipality of Casalincontrada is a co-founder of the International Association of Earthen Cities, established in 2000. CEDTERRA is also an Environmental Education Center (C.E.A.) recognized by the Abruzzo Region.
Main areas of action: the enhancement of raw earth and traditional architecture; the sustainable restoration of architectural heritage and land maintenance; the recovery of isolated houses and villages as landmarks for interpreting the rural landscape; the implementation of a restoration manual as a prerequisite for new earthen construction; community participation in the conservation of its own cultural and economic heritage. Main activities: promoting studies and research; publishing or facilitating publication in all formats; setting up exhibitions, organizing conferences, meetings, study tours, guided tours, and cultural exchanges; promoting and implementing—with particular attention to schools, universities, young people, and the elderly—permanent laboratories and workshops on construction techniques, traditional materials, and their modern reinterpretations.
